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Summary of Six Articles and Methods of Evaluating Evidence

This paper focuses on the development of a PICOT statement for the capstone project on the effectiveness of negative pressure wound therapy in reducing secondary complications and the healing time during their hospital care in diabetic Mellitus patients. According to Chan (2015), diabetic ulcers are considered a significant economic drain on the healthcare system. Over 650 million pounds is spent on amputations or foot ulcers every year and up 100 individuals each week undergo limb amputation due to diabetes (Chan, 2015).  Cirocchi et al. (2017), add that pressure ulcers, which are attributed to diabetes, are highly predominant source morbidity and are associated with a high incidence of up to 38 percent among various categories of healthcare institutions. As such, the therapeutic approach and the management of these always facility- or hospital-acquired problems continue to be critical aspects associated with long-term care. According to Cirocchi et al. (2017), negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) is effective in handling the hindrances to the healing of pressure ulcers including increasing the flow of blood to formerly ischemic wound regions by generating or providing sub-atmospheric pressure that vacuums in circulation. Therefore, this paper advances the thesis that negative pressure wound therapy is more effective than standard wound dressing when it comes to the reduction of secondary complications and the healing time during their hospital care in diabetic Mellitus patients.

Melnyk et al. (2016) define nursing intervention as an actual action and treatment that is embraced in patient care to assist the patient in reaching the care goals. Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) and standard wound dressing are considered among the nursing interventions for reducing secondary complications and wound healing time in diabetic patients. NPWT, , which is also referred  to as a vacuum assisted closure, is among the evidence-based solutions proposed for addressing pressure ulcers. Melnyk et al. (2016) considers evidence-based solution a proof from clinically pertinent study that has been executed using sound methodology.  NPWT refers to a therapeutic method that employs a tubing, suction pump, and dressing in removing excess exudate and enhance healing in chronic or acute wounds, as well as second-and-third degree burns (Driver & Blume, 2014).

 According to Achten et al. (2018), standard wound dressing involves a non-adhesive layer exerted directly to the wound followed by the use of a bandage or dressing in covering the layer. It is vital to note that standard dressing does not employ negative pressure. Even though, there exist mixed views concerning the effectiveness of standard wound dressing and NPWT in reducing the healing time and secondary complications in diabetic Mellitus patients during their hospital care, most views supporting the effectiveness of NPWT (Cirocchi et al., 2017; Achten et al., 2018; Driver & Blume 2014). As such, this study will focus on addressing the PICOT questions presented below:

In diabetic Mellitus patients, how effective is the use negative pressure wound therapy compared to standard wound dressing in reducing the healing time and secondary complications during their stay in hospital?

The outcomes of this study will bear significant implications to nursing practice. The selection of the appropriate intervention for reducing the healing time and secondary complications in diabetic patients happens to be among the most significant challenges for nurses. As such, the findings of this study will shed light on the more effective nursing intervention between standard wound dressing and NPWT, thereby enhancing the ability of nurses to choose the most appropriate intervention for managing diabetic wound in these patients. Besides, the outcomes of this study will enable health care agencies to minimize healthcare costs associated with readmissions and long stays in hospitals due to diabetic ulcers or wounds, as argued by Seidel et al., (2014) and Roy (2019). In addition, the findings of the study will contribute to the improvement of care quality and wellbeing of diabetic Mellitus patients, as issues such as excessive pain, long stays in hospitals, and morbidity will be reduced, as suggested by Achten et al. (2018).

In conclusion, negative pressure wound therapy is more effective in reducing the healing time and secondary complications in diabetic Mellitus patients during their stay in hospital in comparison to standard wound dressing. This argument will be proven further in the student’s capstone project by gathering evidence on the effectiveness of this NPWT relative to standard wound dressing.